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Updates on NCAA,Jennings,and Rubio

Jennings story in Espn Mag[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

10 Games to Watch

1. USC vs. Memphis, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Nov. 21, Puerto Rico Tip-off Classic: This is a possible second-round matchup in this event, assuming USC beats Seton Hall and Memphis takes care of Chattanooga. It could be one of the best nonconference games of the season. It will also pit two of the top freshmen in the game in USC's [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and Memphis' [Only registered and activated users can see links. ].

2. UCLA vs. Duke, Madison Square Garden, Nov. 21, Coaches vs. Cancer (ESPN2, 7 ET): This is also a wait-and-see, title-game matchup as both the Bruins and Blue Devils have to get through their weak pods to New York and then beat either Southern Illinois/UMass for Duke and Michigan/Northeastern for UCLA. If all that happens, two of the most storied programs in the country would meet in MSG.
[+] [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
A.J. Abrams and Texas will have a busy nonconference slate, with games against Michigan State and UCLA.

3. Old Spice Classic semifinals and finals, Orlando, Nov. 28 and Nov. 30: A lineup consisting of Michigan State, Gonzaga, Georgetown, Tennessee, Oklahoma State, Maryland, Siena and Wichita State (the only team in this field that won't get a sniff of the postseason) should provide big-time games on the nights of the semifinals and finals. At least four of these teams could meet in late March.

4. North Carolina vs. Michigan State, Detroit, Ford Field, Dec. 3, ACC/Big Ten Challenge (ESPN, 9:15 ET): The Tar Heels could be coming off playing Notre Dame or Texas in the Maui Invitational final after a game at home against UNC-Asheville the previous Saturday. The Spartans will be waiting for this matchup and this could end up being one of the few losses for UNC this season.

5. UCLA at Texas, Dec. 4, Pac-10/Big 12 Challenge (ESPN2, 9 ET): The Longhorns have plenty of tests in their nonconference schedule. These two teams could easily meet in April.

6. USC at Oklahoma, Dec. 4, Pac-10/Big 12 Challenge (ESPN2, 7 ET): The two leagues made the right call this season in simply returning last season's games. These are the top two teams in their respective leagues, and it's shaping up to be quite a night for each conference.

7. Marquette vs. Tennessee, Nashville, Dec. 16, SEC/Big East Challenge (ESPN, 9:30 ET): The Golden Eagles are a sleeper team to compete for a top four-finish in the Big East. Tennessee is the favorite in the SEC. There are star players all around in this game.

8. Davidson vs. Purdue, Indianapolis, Dec. 20, Wooden Tradition: Two of the game's best talents -- Davidson's [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and Purdue's [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] -- will be on display. This will be a true test for the Wildcats to see if they are a contender or pretender nationally early in the season.

9. Michigan State vs. Texas, Houston, Dec. 20: Yet another top-10 matchup for both squads as they prepare for their respective conference seasons.

10. Gonzaga vs. Connecticut, Seattle, Dec. 20: The Huskies lost to the Bulldogs a year ago in Boston and now the neutral-court series goes West. Both are top-10 and Final Four legit

10 Hidden Gems Players that will make splashes and help their draft stocks if they decide to enter

1. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], So., Wake Forest: Teague has serious hops. He can get to the rack to finish with authority. He's a deft ballhandler and he will be one of the main reasons -- along with a heralded freshman class -- the Demon Deacons make the NCAA tournament.

2. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], Fr., Miami: The Hurricanes are raving about the impact Jones will have for them this season. While Jones comes in with a name, it still doesn't resonate nationally. It should soon, as he teams up with [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] to form a productive tandem.

3. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], Jr., West Virginia: Mazzulla had a breakout game against Duke in the second round of the NCAA tournament last season. Bob Huggins will count on him more often this season and Mazzulla should deliver to keep the Mountaineers relevant.

4. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], Jr., Cincinnati: Vaughn gets pub within the Big East, but I challenge plenty of folks to name him nationally. Vaughn was a big-time scorer last season for the Bearcats, keeping them in the NCAA conversation for a while. If they make the tournament this season, he'll be the reason.
[+] [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

5. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], Jr., Wisconsin: Hughes, who was second on the team in scoring last season, is ready to assume a leadership position for UW after the departure of Michael Flowers. The Badgers have had tremendous success with veteran perimeter players under Bo Ryan, and Hughes is next in line.

6. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], Jr., Texas: James is ready for a breakout season and should become the next stud to wear Longhorn gear. James has All-American potential with his ability to score from all over the court.

7. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], Jr., Washington: The Huskies could be a sleeper team in the Pac-10, and if they are it will be because Pondexter has a monster season. The Huskies will be led by [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], but he needs a versatile player on the wing to complement him and Pondexter has the ability to deliver.

8. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], Sr., Washington State: Rochestie was the heart of the Cougars on many an occasion last season. While Kyle Weaver, Derrick Low and Robbie Cowgill got much of the attention, Rochestie delivered in many ways that weren't reflected in the box score. He has the chance to produce significant numbers.

9. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], Jr., Mississippi State: The Bulldogs always seem to hang around for a potential NCAA berth. If that occurs again this season, Varnado will be the reason. He's a shot-blocker who is developing his offensive game to be a productive player at both ends.

10. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], So., Ole Miss: The Rebels had one of the surprise freshmen a year ago in Warren, and he's now expected to be a go-to player for a possible postseason team. He could end up being the top point guard in the SEC by season's end.

Blake Griffin is off to a hot start scoring by the bunches and rebounding by the handfuls in his first game Vs Davidson(Curry was unstoppable)he had 25 points and 21 rebounds and when he faced Gardner-Web he had an eye popping 35points and 25 rebounds...he looks like he'll be putting up these kind of numbers all season long he would be formidable for the Knicks seeing how we need size and rebounding and post presence and he provides all 3
23ppg 19.3 rbs .774 fg &#37;

Curry averaging 34 ppgs and 8.8 asts .429 3-point fg and and eyepopping 4.5 steals,if he continues to play like this he could make a run for college player of the year and make his way into the top-10 overall.

Thabeet-one player very high on our draft borad from the early goings he is have a very nice year blocking shots left and right running the floor nicely and has showed improvment on his post offensive game...
13.7 points 10.7 rebounds 4 blks...been amazing so far and will likely be out first round pick.

Jrue is making his progression slowly but he'scoming around he started slow but is getting better by the game 9.3pts .536 fg% and 2.3 rbs and 1.8 asts
with time his numbers will improve and could sneak up draft boards and make a splash like Westbrook last year

DeMar Derozan like Holiday is making a slow transaction but has showed why he's had hype around him and will definetly get better reletively soon he's had monster dunks and is averaging 9.3points 4.5reb and .438fg %

Tyreke Evans off to a hot start his shot is falling and his passing is better then what i first thought and could get a few rebounds
15.3pnts 5.8 re 4.3 asts and.430 fg %

James Harden-what could i say about this guy he's the ultimate team guy he does everything his coaches aask of him and he shows up when his team needs him and he knocks down big-shots after big-shots...ohh and he hustles for loose balls(no homo) and never gives up whether his team is down by 15 0r 2. And he could D up on the best scorers and shoots at amazing percentages...he's been high on the knicks draft board last year and he'll be high on there again this year
21 points 4 rbs 6.5 asts .591 fg %

Wayne Ellington- he's a great option for us to draft in the second round or late first round he scores and has a good jumpshot he's consistent with it and is a good passer will be a great complimentary player especially if we pick Thabeet
15.3pnts 3.7 reb 2.7 asts .410 fg %

Gerald Henderson-same as Ellington he's less of a scorer and his shot isn't as good as Ellington's but he could drive better then Ellington and could pass was well (although his stats dont show it)-same as Ellington take him with Thabeet and were good 11.8 pnts 3.8 reb 1 asts .475 fg %

A.J Abrams-this guy is a sick scorer he could do it all on the offensive end he will be a Nash type of player with more defense and less passing tought he'll be going in the late first early second round i say we should draft him and take Thabeet or Griffin with our first...thats who i want with our second pick
18 pnts 2 ast 2.5 reb .471 fg %

Brandon Jennings-his adjustment to the proffesional basketball game has been up and down but he's got the hang on the competition and the result is his game has improved alot after a slow start he's picked it up and is now showing his talent and should be high on our draft board
<TABLE class=my_Title style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=580 border=0><TBODY><TR class=my_Headers><TD width=180>League</TD><TD width=100>Team</TD><TD width=40>G</TD><TD>MIN</TD><TD>PTS</TD><TD>2FGP</TD><TD>3FGP</TD><TD>FT</TD><TD>RO</TD><TD>RD</TD><TD>RT</TD><TD>AS</TD><TD>PF</TD><TD>BS</TD><TD>ST</TD></TR><TR class=my_pStats1><TD>Euroleague (Men)</TD><TD>Lottomatica Virtus Roma</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>73</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>7-16</TD><TD>5-12</TD><TD>13-14</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR class=my_Headers><TD colSpan=15>AVERAGE</TD></TR><TR class=my_pStats2><TD>Euroleague (Men)</TD><TD>Lottomatica Virtus Roma</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>18.3</TD><TD>10.5</TD><TD>43.8%</TD><TD>41.7%</TD><TD>92.9%</TD><TD>0.3</TD><TD>2.0</TD><TD>2.3</TD><TD>1.5</TD><TD>1.5</TD><TD>0.0</TD><TD>0.8</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Ricky Rubio- he's still injured but should make his return to the court within the next couple of weeks.

^ James Harden will be a really good NBA basketball player, but with all due respect to Harden he will never be on the level of Rubio or Jennings they have superstar written all over them players like those dont come around very often and they will be very special players....Rubio will be the better Steve Nash and Jennings will PG Allen Iverson version, just watch they are playing in europe which is the second highest levelof basketball in the world so one year there is better than 2 in college, they are already playing aganist NBA level players while Harden is playing vs. NBA potential just sit back and watch jennings in a Knick uniform next year

just watch the videos have u ever seen anyone with handles like that

still long ways till the draft but my favorites are Rubio and Jennings one of them will end up in NY, if we get 1 or 2 we're taking Rubio if we get around 5 we're taking Jennings. i seen this youtube video that has kidd talking about Jennings and they've been in contact with each other so to learn to be a PG from Kidd is the best training. let this be th official draft thread.

I've read from multiple different sources that Rubio won't declare until the 2010 draft. And I believe our pick goes unprotected to Utah that year, so he's pretty much out of the equation unless we trade up. I say we draft Thabeet to anchor the middle, but if Jennings is there its hard to pass up a possible franchise point guard.

How many 1st round picks do we have in the next draft amd how many all together.Without a doubt I would have to say pick Thabeet first b/c we need size bigtime.The big question is can he run with our system??

There were arguing on ESPN about Jenkins basically being horrible in Europe. Now i do realize it is that ESPN commercialism bs but still the numbers are there and he is basically the 3rd guard of his team. I do watch a lot of European league and i can safely say that this guy is a huge mystery right now. I am not convinced we should use a first round pick on him.

Update on NCAA

We're two weeks into the NCAA season and already we've seen some players watch their draft stocks soar-ill explain. and others have watched their stocks drop-heavyweights like Rubio(your probably thinkin WTF?), DeRozan etc. but they will be top prospects but have just been struugling cause of an injury or stuggling to adjust to the college game..

THE UP's:

1. Blake Griffin PF-has been the rojected nomber 1 pick since he announced that he was coming back to college instead of turning pro, and the way he's been playing he'll stay at noumber 1 throughout the season and most likely on draft night too. He has dominated every aspect of the college game better then what Beasley did last year, Giffin is doing it on offense, on the boards on the defensive end and on the defensive side of the ball.His combination of size, strenght and athleticism, along with his growing offensive dominance makes him the favorite at no.1 and as it looks no there isnt a close second.

Stats-25.6 ppg 17.3 rebs 2.0 stls .681 FG&#37;

2.Stephen Curry PG/SG-No doubt Giffin is the top big man prospect, but Curry is emerging as the top Gaurd in the draft. We all knew he could score at crazy rates but since he's moved to the point gaurd position he's showen great passing skills and could be a floor general all while scoring 30 points.When he gets double-teamed he moves out of the way and watch his team play 4-on-3, showing he's improved his knowledge of the game,the onlything against him is his size and lack of athelicism but if davidson continues this impressive start and maybe sneaks into the Final Four he could find himself move into the top 5 overall but he's a certain lock for the top 10.

Stats- 29.2 ppg 7.0 asts 3.0 stls .519 FG% .441 3-point FG%

3.James Harden SG-Curry's only competition for top gaurd in the country (in my opinion he is). Harden had a great rookie year but was overshadowed by guys like Mayo, and Love etc. With them in the NBA now the floor is all Hardens and he hasn't disappointed putting up amazing numbers at an unstoppable rate. We all know his scoring is crazy, but his improvments in rebounding, and his tough defensive game while dishing out assists have scouts calling him the most complete gaurd in the nation...looking for a comparison?...think Brandon Roy(we need someone like that)

Stats-26.3 ppg 7.0 rebs 4.0 asts 1.9 stls .582 FG% .500 3-point FG%

4. Haseem Thabeet C-in the early goings Thabeet has done a great job of silencing his critics, and more and more scouts think he's finally ready to start dominating the low post on both ends.We all knew he could block shots and run the floor,his improved rebounding and he's improved his offensive game dramtically, and is a top -10 lock. With more hype he could even be mentioned in the top 5, his defensive dominance has many calling him the new Dikembe Mutombo with more offense.Did smart decisions to skip the draft the last two years, and his game has caught up with his talent he's ready to be a huge impact player in the low post on BOTH sides

Stats-14.5 ppg 12.5 rebs 4.1 blks .667 FG%

5. Greg Monroe C-with the freshmen class off to a slow start so far, the one bright spot is Monroe.Criticized for his lack of fire coming in, Monroe has been a big part of Georgetowns good start. More imprtantly, he's shown an excellent motor and burning desire for the game, if he keeps this up he could be the first freshmen drafted.

Stats-14.4 ppg 6 rebs 2.4 blks .667 FG%

6.Ty Lawson PG- dudes been around forever, seems to be in and out of the draft every year.last year many said he wouldnt be successful in the league but after benifiting from pre-draft workouts and a series of offseason workouts, scot like what they see in him. he was MVP at the Maui Classic and he deserved it cutting down on his turnovers( an eyepopping 6.1-to-1 asts/turnover ratio) and his improved his Jumpshot considerably..if he keeps this up and leads UNC to an NCAA tiltle he could find his way back tothe lottery.

1. Ricky Rubio PG- Rubio suprised many with his impressive Olympic run, but has started the season off slowly.A wrist injury prevented him from playing in the first month of the season. Long-term the injury isnt a big deal as he'll either be 1-or-2 in the draft, but short-term and the impressive play of Curry, Giffin and Harden he's no longer a lock for the top spot and is dropping by the day...Long Run that could be a could thing, but Short Term his effecting him
still a lock for the top 5.

B.J Mullens C-on potential he's probably the no.1 pick but he's just not ready yet as his game is still raw. After his first 3 games of the season theres questions if he'll ever be a dominate play in the low post, he's still a project and isnt close to playing 30-40 minutes a game. His coach is still pacient with him, the nba scouts might have to be too, in sept. some were saying he could be the no.1 pick now that talk has been quieted, and as of now he may be returning for a second year.

Stats-5.5 ppg 4.0 rebs .5 blks .438 FG%

Brandon Jennings PG-Isnt lighting it up just yet, is slow to start and is clearly stil adjusting to the speed and level of competition in europe.Still early to judge him but he's handling the pressure pretty well not pressing etc just letting his game come to him (when?).While many of college players are dominating, were still talking potenial on this dude.Still a top 10 pick

Stats- 5 ppg 3 asts and 28.2 FG%

DeMar DeRozan SG-probably the most dissappionting player in the early goings of the season, on paper, he has the makings of a star player. He has and NBA ready body(no homo), explosive scorer and went to a team that is in desperate need of a star(USC, after MAyo left).But through the first 6 games he's looked average showing nothing special, yet. top 10 lock and if he improves maybe top 5

Stats-9.8 ppg 4.4 rebs .8 stls .5 blks .431 FG%

Gerald Henderson SG-has had hype around him since he was a senior in high school and he's a junior in college now. so why hasnthe elevated his game to the next level yet?...maybe he's not a good fit for dukes system or maybe he just isnt as good...mid to late first roud

Jrue Holiday PG- also came in with hype but he was slow to adjust not only to the college game but to sharing time with Collison, so when he comes into games he tends to try and do too much, he'll be fine if he could be more of a creator on offense but his game has gotten better with every game he'll be playing at his level in no time ...top 10 lock,shouldnt be in the "downs" much longer

Tyrese Rice PG-he's a great scorer and good passer, is the leader of a decent team in Boston College, his draft positioning will rest on how good the team does if they make noise in the NCAA tourny he'll raise his stock, if not he'll be a mi-to-late first rounder

Stats-17.7 ppg 3 rebs 4.8 asts .452 FG%

Jonny Flynn PG- dues a sick player he could do it all and does it effectively he's leading his team (syracuse) and they've looked unstoppalbe 8-0 his numbers seem to be getting better by the game with some nice workouts and a little more recognition he could be a 15-20 pick

Stats-19.5 ppg 5.4 asts 1.8 stls .459 FG% .438 2-point FG%

Wayne Ellington SG-he's entered the draft before and pulled out and its a good thing he did his game is better now and his shot selection is better then it was in previous years he looks to be taken around mid to late 20's but with a strong season and NCAA tourny showing that could go up to around 14

Stats-14.0 ppg 4.4 rebs 2.6 asts .467 FG%

Darren Collison G- his defense is too good to pass up he's a flat out ball-hawker and his offense is improved. He looks to be taken around 15-20 as well

Stats 16.0 ppg 4.8 asts .600 3-point FG% 2.2 stls.

AJ Abrams G- he could score in anywys he wants, and his passing is better then advertised, he;s more of an iso guy but he could pass too. plus he's a senior so he has the experience working for him but his size is a concern listed at 6-0, he looks to be late first rounder early 2nd rounder

Stats-18 ppg 2.7 rebs 2 asts .434 FG%

others Damien James(mid first rounder)Justin Mason(2nd rounder)

Game OF The Week:

USC 72, (6) Oklahoma 73

Griffin is unstoppable literally, after suffering an elbow below the waist, he came back and scored 11 points in the second half (finishing with 25) as Oklahoma continued to be impressive. While he was on the bench afte rthe hit, the trojans went on a run and held a 11 point lead but Griffin came back into the game as the closed the gap and the two squads went neck and neck for the rest of the game.Defense helped the Sooners here ans they came up with stops late and Griffin made all the play on offense.

How many 1st round picks do we have in the next draft amd how many all together.Without a doubt I would have to say pick Thabeet first b/c we need size bigtime.The big question is can he run with our system??

There were arguing on ESPN about Jenkins basically being horrible in Europe. Now i do realize it is that ESPN commercialism bs but still the numbers are there and he is basically the 3rd guard of his team. I do watch a lot of European league and i can safely say that this guy is a huge mystery right now. I am not convinced we should use a first round pick on him.

i agree with you he aint off to a hot start but just give him time he's still learning the game

I really like Rubio, but i think he wont join draft this year. He's been hurt thus far. Because of that his team is currently doing only so-so in Euroleague, 3rd place in their division. No point for him to join draft, unless the end of season is really good.

Jennings is a 3rd string pg in Euroleague. He may have huge upside, but he isnt ready yet.
I think he made a mistake by going to Euroleague, its way higher level than ncaa. Also, way more freedom for players to bang up each other; ive seen in several games players getting to the bench cause blood was going from nose or eyebrow, and no foul was called.

If we draft around the middle of first round, we should aim for a big well shooting guy. And grab Rubio/Jennings if they join draft and slip.

Thabeet will fill the hole we have with not having a big man impacting our team. Rubio will be the impact PG we want now that me have moved on from marbury (assuming we have). The draft is hard to talk about untill we really know where we stand pick wise. with the lottery we could land the #1 pick or way after that. Talking about the draft now is pointless
We could be so bad that we have the worst record in the league and still not have the first pick... or we could be competitive and just barly miss the playoffs and still have a high pick.......

anything can happen with the NBA draft layout, so talking about drafting someone now is ignorant.... atleast wait till we are numerically in the running to draft a good prospect to talk about the draft ... come on

As far as we know we are still competing for a playoff spot... so where does that leave us draft wise........?

Jennings is having a better than expected adjustment to the Euro-league
his season averages in bench minutes : 10 point per-game 3 assists and 3 rebounds with 1 turnover ( again passing will imporve with more minutes)

I seriously doubt he'll get more playing time in Euroleague with those stats. Actually he got only 11 minutes in last game in Euroleague, and a DNP-CD in last game in Italian national league. When his team gets past first Euroleague round and plays tougher teams, i fully expect him to sit on the bench for good, and play only in Italian national league.

Btw, if a guy has as much assists as turnovers, and shoots really badly, especially from 3 (and euro 3 is closer than NBA), where's the hype coming from
i know he's flashy, but he's not prepared. Saying he's a more passing Iverson is just premature

If anything, his performance in Euroleague would be a red flag for me.
As for comparison with Rubio, Rubio is much taller, has more muscle (although still very lean), younger, more experienced, and has shown significantly better stats (especially steals, dimes, rebounds) during last season than Jennings is now showing.

Jennings is really hurting his stock right now, and unless he has great workouts, how can someone spend one of top picks on him?

I seriously doubt he'll get more playing time in Euroleague with those stats. Actually he got only 11 minutes in last game in Euroleague, and a DNP-CD in last game in Italian national league. When his team gets past first Euroleague round and plays tougher teams, i fully expect him to sit on the bench for good, and play only in Italian national league.

Btw, if a guy has as much assists as turnovers, and shoots really badly, especially from 3 (and euro 3 is closer than NBA), where's the hype coming from
i know he's flashy, but he's not prepared. Saying he's a more passing Iverson is just premature

If anything, his performance in Euroleague would be a red flag for me.
As for comparison with Rubio, Rubio is much taller, has more muscle (although still very lean), younger, more experienced, and has shown significantly better stats (especially steals, dimes, rebounds) during last season than Jennings is now showing.

Jennings is really hurting his stock right now, and unless he has great workouts, how can someone spend one of top picks on him?

those are old stats the one u posted were updated i had those up for a while lmao

Originally Posted by trueOrangeandBlue

Thabeet will fill the hole we have with not having a big man impacting our team. Rubio will be the impact PG we want now that me have moved on from marbury (assuming we have). The draft is hard to talk about untill we really know where we stand pick wise. with the lottery we could land the #1 pick or way after that. Talking about the draft now is pointless
We could be so bad that we have the worst record in the league and still not have the first pick... or we could be competitive and just barly miss the playoffs and still have a high pick.......

anything can happen with the NBA draft layout, so talking about drafting someone now is ignorant.... atleast wait till we are numerically in the running to draft a good prospect to talk about the draft ... come on

As far as we know we are still competing for a playoff spot... so where does that leave us draft wise........?

i mean ima knick fan and all but i dont think we make the playoffs, were not ready for that level of competition yet we struggled to beat the Bobcats and when we played a string of playoff teams we've been losing.....i see us landing around the 8th pick...but again anything could happen on draft night...just look at the bulls